Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has been recognized as the Transit Agency of the Year by Latinos In Transit (LIT) during the organization’s annual leadership summit earlier this month in Portland, Oregon.
Founded in 2016, Latinos In Transit is dedicated to advancing the careers of Latinos and other minorities in the transportation sector. Members include public and private transportation professionals from across the country.
“It is an immense honor to represent DART,” said Jeamy Molina, DART’s Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, who accepted the award. “To receive this award, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, is incredibly humbling. I can’t help but reflect on the strides the DART team has made to ensure our organization delivers on our mission of creating best-in-class mobility experiences.”
The award’s selection criteria include a transit agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement. DART highlighted several key initiatives in their submission, showcasing their dedication to the Hispanic community in North Texas:
- Partnering with Univision to promote job opportunities at DART
- Hosting Prospanica DFW’s annual Hispanic MBA conference at DART Headquarters
- Enhancing training and career development programs for all employees, focusing on minority growth
- Increasing job access in Hispanic communities by 33% with a redesigned bus network and Go Link service
- Establishing Farmers Markets in underserved areas in collaboration with Restorative Farms
- Engaging with minority-owned businesses, with over 50% of contracts awarded to MWBEs in 2023
- Supporting minority vendors through DART’s Small Business Academy
DART’s Strategic Plan, Point B, aims to transform the agency into a valued regional economic and mobility asset, with a workforce reflecting the diversity of its service areas.
